Press Release

First worldwide combined teamwork heralds 64-bit computing and unleashes the power of Linux for the corporate server environment

LinuxWorld, New YorkJanuary 29, 2002

Today, SUSE Linux and IBM announced the extension of their partnership to offer the most advanced Linux solutions for enterprise-level computing. IBM and SUSE Linux are offering unique performance and scalability through the complete IBM eServer product line, combined with the outstanding capabilities of SuSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) operating system. This marks a major milestone in an existing two-year joint technology and business agreement between IBM and SuSE.

The expanded partnership builds on previously announced IBM eServer iSeries, pSeries, xSeries, and zSeries offerings, and continues IBM's and SUSE work at the forefront of delivering Linux enterprise solutions. As a consequence of this agreement, SUSE Linux and IBM will closely cooperate to tune SUSE SLES operating system exactly to the technical requirements of IBM's eServer line.

In the agreement, IBM and SUSE Linux combine efforts to make 64-bit computing a reality for the corporate server environment. Supporting all 64-bit IBM eServer hardware platforms from the Intel Itanium Processor Family (IPF) to the IBM eServer zSeries mainframe, SUSE SLES operating system is one of the most advanced enterprise Linux computing systems today. The resulting uniqueness is complemented by the fact that SUSE SLES OS is the only operating system that is available and certified across all IBM hardware platforms. For companies hosting complex IT infrastructures this opens the door to the unprecedented perspective of migrating the entire IBM hardware to a single powerful enterprise operating system. In contrast to conventional Linux versions, SUSE SLES OS is actively maintained by SUSE for at least 2 years, thus guaranteeing uninterrupted server operations even after the installation of enhanced upgrade versions.

"Corporate customers today are demanding complete solutions, not piece parts," said Steve Solazzo, vice president, Linux at IBM. "Working with solutions from IBM and SUSE allows customers to have confidence that their Linux infrastructure can be deployed with minimal risk, maximum functionality, and unprecedented low cost of ownership."

"Together, IBM and SUSE bring decades of experience to every eServer customer", said Gerhard Burtscher, CEO of SUSE Linux AG. "The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server consolidates the programming and production environments for all of the supported hardware architectures, which makes it the ideal choice for IBM eServer systems. SUSE Linux is the only Linux environment that is certified to run with major application vendor's products that allow businesses of all sizes to focus on their real objectives. The SuSE Linux Enterprise Server maintenance program consolidates the commitment of IBM and SUSE to help establish Linux as a robust and reliable working environment."

For more information on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server please check the product websites.

About Novell Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

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